Fodo Dodo Goes Fishing

In this modest but thoroughly enjoyable tribute to pretend play, a home’s combination bathroom/laundry room boasts a clawfoot bathtub “boat” and laundry basket “fishing hole.” Fodo Dodo, who resembles a long-eared dog and wears a yellow rain hat, is thrilled about having hooked an “underguppy”—a pair of small, red-striped underpants—and diminutive comrade Noodle, a cublike critter sporting a pink hat with round ears, suggests they “cook” it in a pot. Their plans for a festive meal are thwarted, however, when cat-eared character Dimple enters, asserts ownership of and confiscates the underpants, and firmly refuses to play along (“I said NO, Noodle”). No matter: back in the boat, Fodo Dodo and Noodle nestle down to watch Return of the Underguppies—revealed to be the goings-on behind the in-use front-loading washing machine’s see-through door. Manceau (Tickle Monster) establishes the action along a single plane and provides just enough crisply outlined, bright detail in front of white backgrounds to convey the sense of a comfy home set up for play. With self-assured characters and snappy pacing, it’s a simple angling story that’s as streamlined and functional as a pair of underpants. Ages 3–6. (Aug.)